Travel Planning

Guide to Surviving the Night Buses of Southeast Asia

Guide to Surviving the Sleeper Buses of Southeast Asia

Taking a sleeper bus in Southeast Asia is a rite of passage for any backpacker. You may have heard a few horror stories, from being left in the middle of nowhere to rude drivers. Still, I’ve taken sleeper buses all over Southeast Asia, and overall, I have had positive experiences. They are a great way to cover a long distance for a lower cost.

Types of Buses

Each bus is different, and no matter what you book, you will not be 100% sure what type of bus you are on until you show up. 

In general, there are three tiers. The top-tier “VIP” buses are arranged in a 1:1 configuration with an upper and lower berth. If given an option to book one bed for two people, I don’t recommend it. They are spacious for one but very tight for two, especially Westerners. The mid-range buses are in a 1:1:1 configuration with curtains. The lowest-class sleeper is in a 1:1:1 configuration with no curtains.

The bed is semi-reclined at about 30°. Some of the beds on the VIP buses convert into a sitting position, but the rest do not, so you could be stuck lying at a 30° angle. 

Packing List

  • Packing Essentials
  • Cash – For rest stops and pay-per-use bathrooms
  • Disinfectant Wipes and Tissues – For bathroom stops
  • Sleep Sheet/Blanket – If you don’t want to use the ones provided
  • External Battery – In case the USB ports don’t work
  • Eye Mask
  • Ear Plugs
  • Lock
  • Small Bills of Currency – For bathroom stops

FAQ’s

How to book tickets?

12Go.com is your go-to travel booking site in Asia. 

Pro Tip: When you book your ticket, it will have an address, but be flexible. Each bus company has different pickup and drop-off locations. The company will usually contact you via WhatsApp and confirm the pickup area. Still, one time, five minutes before my bus was scheduled to depart, the company notified me that the pickup had moved to the other side of town. Guide to Sleeper Buses in Asia

What can you expect on board?

Expect to take your shoes off, and they will hand you a plastic bag to keep them in until you get off the bus. The buses have AC and can get cold. All of the buses provide blankets. When they last washed them is questionable, but I didn’t see any that were obviously dirty. I like to go with the motto: What you don’t look for can’t bother you. The bus will make random, quick stops to pick up or drop off a random person or package, so don’t be alarmed. 

Are there bathrooms on the sleeper buses?

Some of the buses have bathrooms, and some do not. I spent 4 hours holding my pee one time only to realize there was a bathroom in the back of the bus. If there is a bathroom, use it, as it will be cleaner than most that you encounter on the route. 

Does the bus make rest stops?

Every few hours, the bus will stop at a rest area for people to smoke and use the toilet if there isn’t one on board. These rest stops will have people selling food and souvenirs. Prepare to pay to use the toilet.

Will I sleep?

The roads are bumpy. And the drivers love to use their horns. They also love to either stop or turn on the light just when you finally fall asleep. Bring earplugs and an eye mask. And don’t be ashamed to use the seat belt, so you don’t slide everywhere.

Are sleeper buses on time?

In my experience, yes. Even when the bus was late picking me up, we still arrived on time or early at our destination. That said, I would not book a flight or tour the day you are supposed to arrive. Also, the time on your ticket may be the time a van picks you up to take you to a bus stop, where you wait another 30 minutes. They factor that into the total trip.
Guide to Surviving the Sleeper Buses of Southeast Asia

Are there chargers?

The mid-tier and VIP buses have USB chargers at your bed. Some even have USB-C. Don’t count on them working all the time, so bring a backup battery or portable charger.
Charging on a Sleeper Bus in Southeast Asia

Can you bring food or drinks onto the sleeper buses?

No. If the driver sees it, they will stop you, so hide your snacks before boarding.  Water is permitted.

What about my luggage?

Your bags are stored under the bus. Bring a lock for added security. Although some of the VIP buses have space for a bag by your feet, most buses have no space to put a large bag or backpack except under the bus. Pack a small bag with essentials. I had a small collapsible backpack that was perfect. Don’t expect to be able to get into your luggage during the trip. 

Are the sleeper buses safe?

Generally yes. Many of the negative comments surrounding sleeper buses are that the driver was driving erratically, or they were concerned that their driver was going to fall asleep. The bus drivers are definitely aggressive, and they love their horns, but I never felt unsafe. There are seatbelts for safety and to prevent you from falling out of bed during tight turns. All the night buses I have taken with long itineraries had two drivers, and they would take turns driving so one could rest.

Are there any additional tips I should know to survive sleeper buses in Southeast Asia?

Expect to feel lost and confused at times. However, remember that you are not the only one feeling that way. Make friends with your fellow travelers.

The sleeper buses in Southeast Asia are a great alternative to flying or taking the train. I recommend trying them at least once. Interested in train travel? Check out my review of train travel in Laos.

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Unique Things To Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

From the excellent coffee to the garbage trucks, Hanoi, Vietnam, lived up to the hype. I spent a week in Hanoi and loved it so much that I returned for a week after traveling to China and Laos. I came up with a list of unique, less-touristy, and somewhat controversial things to do in this amazing city.

Watch the Singing Garbage Trucks

Seriously. Only Hanoi could make taking out the trash fun. The garbage trucks, like the ice cream man, play a children’s song as they drive down the street. It encourages people to collect their trash and keep Vietnam clean.

Take a Food Tour 

A food tour is my favorite thing to do when I arrive in a new city. I learn about the culture and local dishes, so I don’t look like a deer in the headlights at the night markets. My friend Mel and I recommend this tour. Our young tour guide, Chip, is a Hanoi native who loves food, and it showed.

Try a Salt Coffee 

Coffee is a way of life in Hanoi. Stalls and cafes line the streets selling classic Vietnamese drip coffee, usually paired with condensed milk. Be sure to try unique variations like Coconut Coffee, Egg Coffee, and, my favorite, Salt Coffee. Salt coffee is coffee mixed with condensed milk and topped with a sweet, thick cream with a hint of salt. 

Eat Street Food in a Little Plastic Red Chair

Food stalls and small restaurants line the streets of Hanoi. They are marked by small red plastic chairs and tables spilling onto the sidewalk. If you are looking for a specific restaurant or stall, you might be confused as all of them have similar but different names. A perfect example of the Southeast Asian phrase “Same Same but different.” I learned from Chip on our food tour that the best restaurants and stalls in Hanoi serve only one dish. The restaurant’s name is the name of the dish, followed by the owner’s name. 

(Don’t) Visit The Note Coffee 

I planned to recommend avoiding The Note Coffee because it was too touristy. But as my friend Jeff said, “Always go up when you can.” The Note Coffee has killer views. Get a cup of coffee, enojy the view and check out the poo review notes in the bathroom. 

Pro Tip: Vietnamese children come to the store with their families to practice English. They might ask to read with you or have you help with their school lessons while their parents enjoy their coffee. It is not a scam.

Look for the Vietnam Tube Houses

Tall, narrow ‘tube houses’ as small as 6 feet wide and up to 12 floors tall line the streets of Hanoi. These houses are narrow and deep due to land taxes that are based on the width of the street. Each home has a unique architectural style. 

Get a Hair Cut by a Hanoi Street Barber

I was at a park when I noticed two guys giving haircuts under a tree. They had an open briefcase hanging from the branches, complete with a mirror. This makeshift barber shop is a common sight on the streets of Hanoi, where you can get a haircut for as little as $1.00. 

Visit a Speakeasy

I love speakeasies. The Haflington is a stark contrast to the chaotic, dirty streets of Hanoi in both style and price. They usually require reservations, but we went right in when they opened and were able to get two seats at the bar.

Visit a Less Touristy Train Street 

If you have Googled Hanoi, the first picture that appears is of Train Street. The tracks lay mere inches away from homes and shops. Chip took us to a less crowded, lesser-known section of Train Street. Is it as close as it looks? It was closer. Only in Asia will they feed you beer and let you sit on a half-broken plastic chair while a huge train passes inches from your face. Order a beer and put the cap on the track for a souvenir.

Spend the Night in Sapa

Mel and I spent two days hiking through rice fields and small Hmong villages near Sapa. It is one of the few places where you can see Villagers still wearing their native dress, and not just for tourists. We took a sleeper bus from Hanoi. Beware of the happy water, a homemade rice wine that can lead to quite a hangover. We stayed in Sapa town, but it was very touristy. I would stay in Lao Chai for a more chill vibe. I recommend booking your transportation and trying to find a private tour versus a big group.

Visit Trompe-l’œil Murals of Hanoi 

Cool street art that depicts scenes from Hanoi. Make sure you have the correct address if you are using a Grab. Mel and I ended up 30 minutes outside the city. We found a nice park and a carnival, but no murals. 

Walk Along the Lake

Hồ Tây, or West Lake, is a freshwater lake with a pagoda in the middle. Take a walk along the water’s edge in the evening, where you can watch locals fishing, exercising, and enjoying a coffee in one of the waterside cafes.

Don’t Eat at Bahn Mi 25

It’s nothing personal, but Bahn Mi 25 isn’t that good. It became famous after popular YouTubers Kara and Nate ate there. Now, it is a tourist attraction that has expanded across the street and includes a hidden bar. The bar was cool, but the Bahn Mi 25 just isn’t as good as it probably once was.

Do Eat at Pizza 4P’s

I was actually told about 4P’s by a local. It is a famous pizza chain in Vietnam. I am a New York pizza girl. I have strong opinions about pizza. The pizza was delicious. I won’t judge you for having pizza in Vietnam.

Take Public Transportation

Vietnam and most of Asia use Grab as their ride-share app. Be adventurous and take the bus. Riding local transportation is a good way to immerse yourself in the city. Riding the bus in Hanoi is simple. I use Google Maps to plan the route. The bus stops are well-marked. If you see your bus, wave your arm so the driver knows to stop. A person will collect your money once you are aboard.

Have A Local Craft Beer

Hanoi has an up-and-coming brewery scene. Check out Hanoi Homebrew. They have multiple locations. Try the stout. 

Hopefully, my post will inspire you to get off the beaten path and explore unique things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam. After Hanoi, I recommend taking the night bus further south in Vietnam or even to Laos.

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Guide to Visiting Vientiane, Laos

Thinking of visiting Vientiane, Laos? This guide with make your trip planning easier.

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, located along the northeastern bank of the Mekong River, near the border with Thailand.

I could have stayed in Vientiane for several more days. Vientiane maintains a relatively laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, especially compared to other Southeast Asian capitals. I could walk around the night markets without being haggled every few feet. And I felt very safe as a solo female traveler.

Getting There

The three main options for entering Laos are via slow boat from Thailand, flying into Vientiane or Luang Prabang or taking the bus from either Thailand or Vietnam.

I flew into Vientiane, Laos, from China. Although you can buy an e-visa in advance, you can save 10 USD if you buy it on arrival, and the process is easy. It costs 40 USD. In case you left your USD in your check bag like me, they do take Laotian Kip, and there is an ATM in the immigration area. You also need two passport-size photos (I carry some with me when I am traveling), and you need to fill out the customs form that is available in the immigration area.

If you are planning to travel to Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng, I recommend the train. It was clean, cheap and saved a lot of time. Check out my guide to the train in Laos.

Transportation

The city center is small and easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle, but for longer distances, Vientiane has buses throughout the city. You can’t miss the lime-green buses. The bus is also the best way to travel from the airport to your accommodations.

Loca is the ride-share app in Laos. My flight arrived late at night, and the buses had stopped running. I had no problem getting a LOCA.

Where to stay?

My favorite areas of the city were Ban Anou and Watchan. They had beach town vibes, and the majority of cheaper accommodations are located here.

Sathiti Cafe & Bed– I had a studio above this cute coffee shop. It was clean and located near the night food market. I don’t recommend it for remote work, though. The wifi was very spotty.

Apatuxay Vientiane Hotel & Apartment – This hostel is centered around a pool. The bar has cheap beer, and it was very easy to meet people. They had a mix of dorms and private rooms.

What to do?

Visit Temples

I had temple burnout at this point in my travels, but if you do not, Vientiane has multiple temples to explore.

In the Ban Anou and Watchan neighborhoods, there was no one guarding the area or trying to sell you something. As you moved to the more popular ones downtown, you would need to give a donation to enter. Prepare to be approached by people trying to sell you a cheap fan or figurine. On another note, although I understand they need the funding, it was a shame to see these temples being used for paid parking.

COPE Visitor Center

COPE’s mission is to help victims of UXOs. UXO stands for Unexploded Ordnance, which refers to military ammunition or explosives that failed to explode as intended. Thirty percent of the land in Laos is covered in UXOs, which can detonate and kill or injure the local farmers and their families. COPE helps them with prosthetic limbs and other assistive devices. The center is free to visit, but they do ask for a donation.

Pro Tip: The COPE Visitor is very similar to the UXO Lao Visitor Center in Luang Prabang, Laos. Although it is nice to support both causes, you do not have to visit both if you are short on time.

Madam Phasouk Vientiane Cooking Class

One of my favorite memories of Laos was taking a cooking class with Madam Phasouk. Highly recommend.

Night Food Market

A wide variety of food and very cheap. My go-to spot for dinner.

Night Market

Sadly, the permanent red-roofed stalls of the night bazaar sustained damage from flooding and were no longer in use. Instead, the stalls of the night market were temporarily set up each night and moved to a storage area during the day. The majority of the vendors were selling clothes and accessories.

Walk along the Mekong River

There is a paved “boardwalk” along the river. When I was there, the water was low, and the water’s edge was actually about a 5-minute walk down a dirt path. The waterfront was very peaceful during the day, but came alive at night with food vendors, the night market and even a children’s carnival.

Extra travel tips

  • There are ATMs everywhere.
  • As with many places in Southeast Asia, the shops and restaurants open later in the day. The city comes alive at night.
  • As of June 2025, the city is doing major road work in the Ban Anou and Watchan areas. Expect it to be dusty, and you will definitely have to wash your feet when you get back to your hotel.

You should definitely put Vientiane, Laos, on your Southeast Asia itinerary. The laid-back vibe will be a welcoming change coming from the bustling streets of Bangkok, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh.

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